Getting a Building Permit in Westlake

Making improvements to your home can be exciting and a little nerve-wracking. If you’re making major improvements to your home in Westlake, you probably need a building permit. If you're not sure, the Building Department would love to hear from you.

“We’re really here to serve the citizens of Westlake,” Director of Inspections and Chief Building Official Donald P. Grayem said. “We can help you determine if you need a permit and want to make the process as painless as possible for you.”

When do you need a building permit?

“The rule of thumb that if you might run into trouble doing the project, you should call about a building permit,” Grayem said.

Projects that require plumbing or electrical work always will require a permit, such as:

• Building an addition, deck, porch, garage, fireplace or shed
• Replacing your roof, windows, siding, furnace, air conditioning or hot water heater
• Adding a pool (both in-ground and above-ground), fence or patio cover
• Remodeling your kitchen, bathrooms or basement, including waterproofing.

Cosmetic improvements like interior or exterior painting, wall coverings or new flooring do not require a building permit.

If working with contractor, he or she must be registered with Westlake (search the registered contractor database online). This helps ensure your contractor is bonded and licensed to do the work you are seeking.

If you aren’t sure whether your project requires a permit, contact the building department at (440) 617-4105.

Where do you go to apply for a permit?

Applications for permits can be made from 8 a.m to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday at at 27700 Hilliard Blvd.

What should you bring when applying for a permit?

Building permit applications are available online and most are pdf forms you can fill out and print at home. Most projects require a simple drawing of your property to demonstrate where the improvements will be made. The permit application often requires the project budget and estimate. A number of projects in Westlake have a different application than the general “building permit.” Projects with a separate applications are:

• Garage
• Roof
• Electrical Work
• Fence
• HVAC work
• Plumbing
• Pool
• Utility building or shed

How much does a permit cost?

Permits start at $25 with additional fees based on the size and scope of the job. All residential applications also include a fee of 1 percent of total permit costs for the board of building standards.

What about inspections?

Inspections are an important responsibility of the Westlake Building Department. They take place to ensure the safety and quality of the project. It is the homeowner’s responsibility to request inspections at various project benchmarks, including:

• Before covering or concealing work
• Installation of footer drains, building drains and building sewers
• Completion of foundation and waterproofing
• During framing of the superstructure
• The completion of roughing-in the plumbing, electrical wiring, gas piping, heating ducts or piping or other similar service installations
• Before closing in all structural elements
• Upon final completion of the structure

The city employs six inspectors who review residential and commercial projects. Inspectors will only review the project and work for which they have been called to inspect.

The Building Department encourages residents to call with questions or concerns on home renovation projects. Call the building department staff at (440) 617-4105 or visit their offices to discuss your project between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday at Westlake City Hall at 27700 Hilliard Blvd.